About
Tucked into one of Albuquerque's oldest communities on Candelaria, Albuquerque Water Gardens & Nursery is a sprawling oasis that feels worlds away from the big-box garden centers. The business has operated for many years, specializing in ponds and water gardens while maintaining an impressive nursery of locally grown terrestrial plants adapted to New Mexico's demanding climate and soil. Walking the grounds, you'll pass multiple display ponds stocked with water lilies, and the atmosphere has a relaxed, almost meditative quality that customers consistently rave about.
The pond plant selection is arguably the best in Albuquerque. You'll find lotus (both dwarf and standard varieties), water lilies, frog bit, rushes, and a range of aquatic plants priced from around $30 to over $100 for specialty specimens. They also sell pond fish — baby koi, goldfish, and even toad tadpoles — along with snails and other pond inhabitants to help build a functioning backyard ecosystem.
Staff regularly advise customers on pond setup, plant care, and stocking strategies, making this a genuine resource for anyone building or maintaining a pond in the desert Southwest. Beyond the water garden core, the nursery carries a huge variety of shrubs, trees, fruiting plants (customers have sampled fruit right off the plants), hibiscus, roses, grapevines, chile plants, and seasonal offerings like Christmas trees, handmade wreaths, and poinsettias. Decorative items include Talavera pots, ceramic planters, and fountain supplies — one customer got help sourcing materials to build a custom pottery fountain.
Pond liners and other hardscape supplies round out the inventory. The staff, led by owner John and his wife, are generally described as knowledgeable and mellow, though a few visitors have noted occasional moments of feeling rushed during busy periods. The locally grown plants are a major draw — they're already acclimated to the arid New Mexico environment, giving them a survival advantage over shipped-in stock from chain stores.
For pond enthusiasts in Albuquerque, this is the definitive destination.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationPond Services
- Specializes in
- PondFreshwater
Highlights
What makes them special
- Extensive pond plant selection including lotus, water lilies, frog bit, and rushes
- Baby koi, goldfish, snails, and tadpoles for pond stocking
- Locally grown plants adapted to New Mexico's climate and soil
- Multiple display ponds on-site creating an oasis atmosphere
- Pond consultation and ecosystem building advice from experienced staff
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Found the prettiest Christmas tree ever here. Great prices and the friendliest folks in Albuquerque. They’ve got handmade wreaths and super bright poinsettias too! Really recommend them!”
— Janie Murphy5.02 months ago“Local nursery with a huge selection of plant material for NM climate and soil. Staff is very knowledgeable.”
— Karl Horak5.0Edited 4 months ago“Wonderful people and very helpfull”
— Milo5.07 months ago“The best nursery in town. Great assortment of healthy plants, amazing prices and friendly staff!”
— Xochitl Calderon5.07 months ago“We will definitely be back. The layout and quality of the plants was the best we have seen in town. Fruiting plants were producing so we could sample the fruit to know what the produce would be.”
— debbi michal5.0Edited 8 months ago“This place is a hidden away oasis. We were in awe walking around and seeing all the beautiful flowers, plants, trees, fish, decorative items, water features, etc. The staff was extremely mellow and very helpful. What a fantastic vibe!! We wanted to buy EVERYTHING. ❤️”
— Farah French5.08 months ago“My second visit to this store was welcoming and wonderful the owner and husband have a wonderfully outfitted operation and store and I bought two beautiful plants that are thriving and doing so well and I so recommend visiting and purchasing your pond supplies and plants from this establishment”
— Donyale McRae5.09 months ago“People that run it are very nice. I had an issue with a plant I purchased and they happily helped me solve the problem. Its also a good place to come and sit and enjoy the ponds.”
— Elizabeth Smith5.010 months ago“They have an expansive selection of plants for ponds. I found some beauties, but not knowing a whole lot, I had a many questions. Many are a bit pricey ($30-60 per plant), and I wanted to properly take care. While the staff was able to answer and offer advice, it felt a little like a bother.”
— Angelic Griego3.0Edited a year ago“So many options !”
— TK O'Geary5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (505) 246-8278 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Albuquerque Water Gardens & Nursery.